The Lakers reached .500 with their win over the Sacramento Kings and now find themselves riding a three-game winning streak. Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni had nothing but praise after the win, where the Lakers led by as many as 18 points in the second half. The win improved their record to 7-7 this season, the same record through 14 games as last season.
According to Serena Winters of LakersNation, D’Antoni talked about the chemistry and the key to victory after the game:
D’Antoni credits the win to: Everybody that went in did something positive
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 25, 2013
D’Antoni says their chemistry right now is as good as it gets.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) November 25, 2013
The Lakers had four players in double digits and were very energetic on the defensive end. They forced 13 turnovers en route to their third straight victory. In their last four games, the Lakers have held their opponent to under 100 points and start a three-game road trip on Tuesday.
Steve Blake led the sharing on offense with 12 assists, while Jordan Hill and Pau Gasol each reached double digits in rebounding. Hill had a double-double, adding 10 points to go along with his 13 rebounds. The bench scored 40 points, led by Xavier Henry’s 21 points on 7-11 shooting. In the fourth quarter, the bench held the lead and gave Gasol and Blake some rest after heavy minutes in the first three quarters.
The team also received a positive game from forward Shawne Williams in extended minutes. He scored just three points, but added six rebounds and three blocked shots, providing energy on the defensive end. Williams saw his minutes rise due to Chris Kaman’s battle with a back issue.
D’Antoni and the Lakers have a chance to move over .500 for the first time since the season-opening victory over the Clippers with their game on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards.
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ICYMI: Pau Gasol talked about his great performance Friday against the Golden State Warriors.
